Rutherford County Schools was represented at the National Beta Convention, which was held virtually this year.

With categories ranging from creative writing to two-dimensional design and a host of other categories, RCS had students place in the Top 10 of five categories at the national level.

Clubs representing middle and high schools focus on the four points of Beta — achievement, character, leadership and service.

“With everything we do, we want to keep those four points in mind. We hold our members to those high standards, and they know what they have to do to achieve them,” said Siegel High School Beta Club sponsor Caroline Ott.

Many clubs focus on smaller service projects throughout the year, such as volunteering at local non-profits or taking the time to recognize students and staff within their schools.

However, the main focus for these students is choosing in which area they’d like to compete at convention.

Many, if not all, students within the Beta clubs throughout Rutherford County create projects or focus on a specific scholastic area, so they can compete at the state and, ideally, national conventions.

In order to compete at the national level, students must first compete at their respective state levels and qualify to attend the national convention.

Rutherford County had more than 80 students place in the top five in more than 60 categories at the state level during the 2019-2020 State Convention.

This year, instead of being able to attend the national convention, like past years, students had to submit their pieces to be reviewed virtually.

Siegel High School winners Whitman Cazjkowski and Luke Blain originally submitted their technology presentation for the State Level competition in November 2019. After winning 1st place, they qualified for national competition and eventually winning 1st place there.

Other Beta clubs and individuals did the same by placing in the Top Ten for 5 separate categories at national competition.    

“It’s a lot on the kids on their own time,” said Ott, who recognized the time and commitment it takes to be successful. “They sign up for it, but they know that they are also responsible for achieving [their goals].”

The students of Rutherford County were responsible for achieving their goals and many exceeded them when competing at the state and national levels.

The winners and their respective categories are listed below.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Digital Art Junior:

10th Place: Colby Ward (Siegel Middle School)

Language Arts 6th Grade:

5th Place: Jett Murphy (Eagleville School)

Social Studies 6th Grade:

9th Place: David Harrison (Eagleville School)

Social Studies 7th Grade:

3rd Place: Noah Wright (Siegel Middle School) 

HIGH SCHOOL

Language Arts 11th Grade:

7th Place: Kenny Goodman (Central Magnet School)

Science 12th Grade:

1st Place: Austin Music (Stewarts Creek High School)

Technology:

1st Place: Siegel High School